Planning Your Summer Programming
Creating Engaging and Effective Fitness Experiences
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Sara Kooperman, JD
Summer presents a unique opportunity for fitness facilities to revamp their offerings and attract new members. With warm weather, longer days and a shift in people's routines, it's the perfect time to introduce fresh, engaging programming. Thoughtful planning ensures your summer offerings cater to diverse audiences, keeping participation high and members motivated.
1. Assess Member Interests and Trends - Before launching summer programs, evaluate member needs and seasonal trends:
- Conduct surveys to understand what members are looking for.
- Review past summer attendance and participation data.
- Identify emerging fitness trends such as outdoor workouts or hybrid training options.
2. Offer Seasonal Outdoor Workouts - Summer is ideal for incorporating outdoor fitness activities, including:
- Beach boot camps for full-body workouts in a scenic setting.
- Park yoga and meditation classes for relaxation and mindfulness.
- Outdoor running clubs to encourage group motivation and endurance building.
3. Introduce Themed Challenges and Events - Engage members with exciting, time-bound fitness challenges:
- Summer Slim-Down Challenge to help members stay active and accountable.
- Adventure Fitness Series, featuring hiking, paddleboarding or obstacle races.
- Community Wellness Days with free classes and local business partnerships.
4. Adapt Scheduling for Seasonal Preferences - Modify class schedules to accommodate vacation plans and summer schedules:
- Offer early morning or evening sessions to beat the heat.
- Implement flexible drop-in classes for members with travel plans.
- Provide virtual options for those maintaining routines on the go.
- Consider extended facility hours to accommodate longer daylight hours and member availability.
5. Utilize Off-Hours for Community Programs - Maximize facility usage by opening doors to additional groups:
- Offer space to dance troupes or performance groups for rehearsals.
- Introduce children's programs like medicine ball workouts and fun agility drills.
- Partner with local organizations to host specialized classes or workshops during low-traffic hours.
6. Create Family-Friendly and Youth Programs - Summer is a great time to introduce family and kid-friendly activities:
- Parent and Child Fitness Classes to promote family wellness.
- Summer Youth Camps offering sports training, agility drills and fun games.
- Teen Strength Training Programs to build healthy habits early.
7. Promote Your Programs Effectively - To maximize participation, strategic marketing is essential:
- Use social media countdowns and teaser videos to build excitement.
- Offer early bird registration discounts to encourage signups.
- Leverage member referral incentives to increase engagement.
8. Evaluate and Improve Throughout the Season - Monitor participation and gather feedback to refine your approach:
- Send mid-season surveys to understand participant satisfaction.
- Track attendance and engagement levels for different programs.
- Be flexible and adjust offerings based on real-time feedback.
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Well-planned summer programming keeps members engaged, attracts new participants and enhances the overall fitness experience. By incorporating seasonal trends, outdoor activities, community engagement and creative scheduling strategies, your facility can make the most of the summer months while strengthening member retention and satisfaction.
